This is the sixth entry in our “TOP TEN Highlights From 10 Years of Ministry” series. Click here to read previous entries>>>

6. Sending Our First Short-Term Trip

Today we send more than one hundred brave individuals onto the mission field every year to understand and live out their calling to care for orphans. The first trip we sent was a collection of student from across the U.S. It provided a major breakthrough for us, and it paved the way for us to begin sending our medical trips. These teams perform life-saving surgeries and restore hope to those who need it most. Sponsors, students, doctors, and nurses are all firsthand experiencing miracles as they live out James 1:27.

Sign up for email updates on future short-term trips >>>

One week in a different culture gave me a new perspective and opened the door for God to fuse my heart to His…Haiti will forever hold a special place in my heart. I long to travel there again to soak up more of the culture and to love on the orphans who know Haiti as their home. Even months later, God is using my week in Haiti with Show Hope to not only draw me near to His heart for orphans, but to teach me things about this world and about my life.

The first full day in Haiti was one of my favorites. In the morning, a few of us hiked up a mountain with the kids, having fun conversations and acting like kids ourselves. I was walking side by side with a little girl named Sabrina. She had a drawstring backpack on her back filled with water bottles. I noticed her struggling with its heaviness. and said, “Hey, do you want me to carry that?”

Sabrina handed me the backpack and placed her hand in mine. As we hiked, we got further and further behind the group. Sabrina would get distracted or she would stop and ask for her water. She was in no hurry and after a while, I became impatient. I wanted Sabrina to walk faster so we could catch up with the group. As those thoughts ran through my mind, Jesus reminded me of all the times He had carried my load, walked slowly with me and held my hand. He reminded me that I was here to do the same with another one of His children – to be His hands and feet in Haiti.

That afternoon, we all went to the ocean and played with the kids for hours. Each child clung to us, pulled on us, dunked us, hugged us, and loved on us. I lost all sense of time because I was just there, fully present in that moment in Haiti, with beautiful children of God. That was all that mattered.

Each night, after work and play, we had Team Time. These hours were some of my favorite, as we gathered on the roof of our team house and worshipped Jesus and talked about Jesus’ heart for the orphans, as well as His heart for us. By the end of the week, my teammates and I were a family with hearts even more passionate for orphans. I encourage you to apply to go on the 2013 Show Hope student trips to Haiti. I will always cherish this trip in my heart, as I know many others will as well.

-Jennie, 2012 team member

Learn more about the Show Hope Global Training Program student teams traveling to Haiti >

View all 2013 Show Hope short-term trips >

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. -Psalm 37:23

God has used this verse to encourage me many times this past year while planning the 2012 Show Hope short-term trips. With 150 team members from more than 20 different U.S. states (and one currently stationed in Japan!) traveling to China or Haiti to serve…there were a LOT of details!! But God is good and faithfully supplied all that was needed through help from amazing interns and Show Hope staff team leaders. Looking back on the trips from this year makes me so excited to see what God has in store for 2013! The 2013 Show Hope short-term trips were just announced on the Show Hope website!

We had a number of “firsts” this year in the trip world. It was Show Hope first time to take a student trip to serve in Jacmel, Haiti. The trip went really well, and we’re thrilled to offer two Haiti trips in 2013! We also had our first men’s construction team that worked tirelessly on picnic tables, swings, and arbors at Maria’s Big House of Hope in China.

Catherine Cambra and Scott Wheeler joined me in leading another “first” team. A team of listeners from the 91.5 WCIC Christian radio station in Peoria, IL traveled to Maria’s Big House of Hope in September. In preparation for our trip, the WCIC station and team held fundraisers for needed medical supplies at MBHOH. In total, they collected 1100 pounds and $5,000 for supplies. Wow!! I couldn’t have asked for a better team, and am so proud of my new friends from my home state of Illinois!

Show Hope team members spent time looking at an overview of orphan care and digging deeper into understanding the plight of the orphan. It’s been so excited to see how God has already been calling team members to get further involved with orphan care. Some team members have become Show Hope sponsors. For others, it’s been starting the process to adopt or becoming involved with foster care. For some students, caring for orphans has meant starting or leading The Movement Club at their high school. Each team member has been faithful to share what they have seen and learned with those around them. Just as the Lord directed the steps of all the team members to join us in 2012, He is guiding them in what they are to do next. To God be the glory, great things He has done!

The 2013 Show Hope short-term trips are now up on the website and open for applications. Students will have four different summer trips options: two trips to the Hands and Feet Project in Haiti and two trips to Maria’s Big House of Hope in China. Show Hope sponsors will have the opportunity to go on a trip either in the summer or in the fall to Maria’s Big House of Hope in China. Sign up today!!

Before I arrived here at Maria’s Big House of Hope with the Show Hope sponsor team, I was doing a “pre-team devotional” and was really struck by these verses in Luke:

“Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them, ‘In this world the kings and great men lord over their people, yet they are called friends of people.’ But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader shall be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.”

I’ve been very much struck by how much I really like “sitting at the table.” My heart translates that to the part of me that likes to be accomplished, acknowledged, educated, wealthy, noticed, and respected. This passage completely debates that, but the part that strikes me so greatly is the last verse:

FOR I AM AMONG YOU AS ONE WHO SERVES.

I want to be with Jesus, and it’s pretty apparent where that is – among the servants; in the midst of service; not at the head of the table.

I haven’t been at Maria Big House of Hope very long, yet I am so aware that Jesus has met me here. He’s allowed my eyes to be opened to the relationship that comes from serving alongside him. This is a place that I needed to be. I am honored to be apart of this group, “working together with one mind and purpose.”

I know that I will go home having learned a lot and with unforgettable experiences in my heart. In the least, I know that this will be a ministry I will support for the rest of my life, and I feel much anticipation for what more I will learn this week.

-Camille Beasley

The weeks and months leading up to taking my student team to China were full of fear and anxiety. I was piling the pressure on myself. I began stressing about the details, worrying that the team would not “click,” and just generally feeling like I was inadequate to lead a team to China. Although this was not my first time traveling to China, I felt insecurity and fear grabbing hold of me every time I thought about the trip.

I found myself diving into prayer just to keep my head above the water. But I often have a hard time putting into words exactly what I want to pray for, so I just started praying for the little things…. For my team to be loving to each other. For our flights to all arrive on time in Chicago. For safety while we are traveling as well as our time there. That we would have HOT showers … I cannot tell you how many times I prayed for hot water leading up to our trip.

While at Maria’s Big House of Hope, the song that continued to play in my heart was “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” As soon as you walk in the doors of MBHOH, it is apparent that God has a plan and purpose for every life there. From the sickest baby to the amazing staff. God has brought every single person there for a reason, and His Sovereignty is so apparent.

So as I look back on the time our team spent together at Maria’s Big House of Hope, I saw God’s faithfulness in all the little things. All I could think about was how well our team loved each other, how everybody made every flight, that the Lord had kept us safe, and how we had hot water for every shower!! He had answered every single one of my prayers! God is so much bigger than the box that I put Him in! He is in every small detail (like hot showers), and every big challenge (23 people loving each other well). God did so much more on this trip for our team than I could have ever imagined. I have never in my life seen 23 strangers come together and be so gracious to each other. I have never seen students grasp on to the truths and conviction of orphan care and adoption with such maturity and brokenness. And I have never been more humbled by answered prayers.

So to Team “Gate 27″ … thank you for being an instrument in my life to show God’s faithfulness and for going above and beyond the call! You guys were more than I could have ever asked for! I hope the Lord continues to show his faithfulness to each and everyone of you as you adjust to being back home!

---

During our trip, I fell in love with China, so many sweet babies, Maria’s Big House of Hope, and the culture, but above all I have fallen much deeper in love with my Heavenly Father. One major piece of advice our leaders offered before this adventure was to love Jesus more than any treasures found at this big blue house, and I am so thankful for that bit of wisdom. Jesus has used this place to reveal my own brokenness and has begun to stitch me back up. My creator does not need me to love these orphans, it is a generous gift. I think the point of service is for Jesus to teach us about His heart and sometimes that looks different and happens in different places, like China.

As we left Maria’s Big House of Hope, my heart was full but not heavy. I was reminded that Jesus loves this House, and has a perfect plan for each one of his children. In His word, we are told “God sets the lonely in families.” –Psalm 68:6. My prayers have been that God would bring these children home, whether that means healing them physically and giving them an earthly family or soothing their aching bodies and rescuing them into Eternity. And He will, because our God is who he says He is and will do exactly as He says he will. For each beautiful child I met, Maria’s Big House of Hope is a just stop on the way home.

-Jordan Owens

---

My time at Maria’s Big House of Hope was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Amidst these heart-warming things though, there is sadness and hurt. My heart aches for these children. I find myself asking God, “Why these precious children? Why do they have to endure such hard lives?”

But if I’ve learned one thing on this trip, it’s that God is a good God. He protects His children and loves them unconditionally. It doesn’t matter if they are sick or have a special need—God created every one of these children with a purpose. He has a special plan for all of the orphans at Maria’s Big House of Hope, and it is such a place of hope!

It really was a great trip full of special memories that will stay with me forever. Our team had a time of worship on the roof during our last night at MBHOH, which was such a rich experience. “In Christ Alone” was sung and I could only sit there and let the words wash over me. In Christ alone can I find my hope and strength through experiences like this one. As I reflect on my time in China, I am left with trust in the Lord’s sovereignty, comfort in His perfect plan, and excitement and eagerness for the day that I return to this beautiful, blue building full of hope and healing.

-Alice Boone

I sanitize my hands and I walk into the Madagascar Room on the third floor of Maria’s Big House of Hope. I have waited so long for this moment. I say “Ni Hao” to the nannies and plop down in front of a little boy sitting on the floor. He bursts into tears and the nannies burst into laughter. I smile and then move on to another little boy, who is sitting in an exercise saucer. He has a finger in his mouth and a serious expression. After about five minutes, the finger comes out. The most glorious dimply smile emerges.

While the smiles don’t always come, being here with these kids, this staff, and this team is incredibly rewarding. God has taught me and grown me. God is working through playtime, through conversations, and through the Global Training Program devotionals, which are both powerful spiritually and packed with information. I am so thankful.

It is also very, very hard to be here– more than I expected. It is opening my eyes to difficult realities of this life, but more importantly, it is teaching me that I must completely rely on God and trust him for myself and for these children. Only he can make all of our sickness and pain better, only he can give us hope.

-Ellie Akin

---

During my freshman year in college, I was constantly bombarded with so many global causes and so many ways to take action. I was lost and couldn’t discern what I was supposed to do. I prayed a humble prayer for direction, and the Lord opened my eyes to see the millions of orphans worldwide.

I learned as much as I could on orphan care and adoption, but I still felt like there was some action that needed to be taken. After many months of prayer, a trip to Maria’s Big House of Hope practically appeared on my computer screen. I didn’t even know if it would be possible, but all I could do was take a first step.

It has been such a blessing to be here at Maria’s. I have learned so much. Perhaps the greatest thing I have learned is about God’s great love. When you look in the eyes of one the precious children here, you just know how much God loves them. He loves us all more than we can fathom. It has been a tremendous privilege to be a conduit of God’s love this week. Some might say that I have been a blessing to these children, but I would tell them that these children have taught me more and have blessed me more that I could ever bless them.

-Jessica Morrison

---

Anyone who says that miracles don’t happen anymore has never been to Maria’s Big House of Hope. It doesn’t seem like it should be a place of miracles. It is full of children without parents…and yet, the Holy Spirit is here. This is the world we’ve stepped into, and we’ve fallen in love with all the precious miracles here: each little hand we get to hold, each time we get to roll a ball back and forth across the room, every group gathering. As you remember us in your prayers, please pray for another miracle– that God would rain down His Spirit and use twenty-three tired and broken people to do His Will.

-Elora Powell

For the past seven months, coming to China was a constant topic of conversation in my life–from thinking about the strange foods to the excitement of what God was about to do in the lives of each team member. I couldn’t stop talking about it!

When I heard about Show Hope in November of 2011, I prayed about going on a short-term trip to China for a month before I decided to run it by my dad. As I tried to “butter him up” before I asked, he cut right to the point and said, “So, you want to go to China, huh?” I mumbled a “yes” and quickly explained how I felt like God was calling me there but he said, “Anna, as a dad, I get nervous when I get a call from a guy who wants permission to take you on a date, when it rains at night and you have to drive home by yourself in the rain, and when I think about giving you away on your wedding day. But you going to China for 10 days doesn’t worry me because I know God loves you better than I could and I trust He will lead you.” That conversation started my process of applying for and getting accepted on the student team to China.

As I learned more about Maria’s Big House of Hope and the things going on there, grace was a continuous theme that seemed to permeate every part of Show Hope and the work done at MBHOH. God has been gracious in proving people to see a need, and faithful to provide the resources to do something about it. After being in this place of hope this week, I have learned a lot about brokenness. My eyes have been opened to see that I am just a broken spirit in need of a mighty Savior who is Healer, Protector, and Provider of the fatherless and the weary. His grace is overwhelming and His Gospel brings healing.  We proclaim victory in the One who is victorious as we will continue to ask for God’s guidance and grace throughout the rest of our time here in China.

Anna Brewster

---

I first met Judah when I traveled to MBHOH last summer, and we were buddies, but I walked into his nursery not really expecting anything. To my surprise, when he saw me he started yelling in Chinese with joy. Abby, the MBHOH intern, started talking to Judah in Chinese. After a few seconds, she turned to me.

“He remembers you. He’s saying, ‘you came back.’”  I was shocked. It had been a year, and several groups had visited since then. I still can’t believe Judah recognized me after all this time, but I love hearing him joyfully call out my name when I walk into his room. He is the silliest boy I have ever met, and he is always laughing, singing, and wanting to play games.

I am grateful for the opportunity to visit Maria’s Big House of Hope and meet all of these sweet children. The children are so full of joy that it rubs off on everyone who walks in the door. Laughter resonates down the hallways and smiles fill the rooms. I feel so blessed to have experienced this wonderful place.

Callie Huseman

---

I have absolutely loved every minute of being here. Yesterday, we were outside playing. While I was watching the kids slide, run, and get sand everywhere, the little girl I was holding fell asleep in my arms as I prayed over her. I was amazed at the peace of that moment. I have a completely new picture in my mind now when I think of Maria’s Big House of Hope. The children here are true miracles. Every smile, every laugh, and even every still moment is such a blessing. I am so thankful to be here with these amazing people and these precious children.

Ellery Burkhead

---

During the past three years God has truly worked in my heart to grow my passion for orphans. But caring for orphans is not an easy choice, and in many ways this has been the hardest week of my life. I was challenged to allow God to mold me and to surrender everything to Him. Dan, one of the interns here at Maria’s, said on the first night “God has called each of you here for something specific. Don’t miss it. Don’t miss the opportunity to find out what it is.” I didn’t want to miss it and I am so glad God is so strong and so good and so faithful. I love it here. I am so thankful that God has lead me to come on this trip and that He is training me to rely on His faithfulness and His promises.

Orphans are not distant to me any more–they are real little boys and girls, with real hurts and real joys. I know their names and I have held them in my arms, and that is one thing I will never forget. Playing in the sand box, splashing in the pool, laughing as we put stickers over other kids’ faces, or even cuddling when a baby just needed a hug, was a priceless gift.

Natalie Eaton

The Hope Smiles team left the United States on June 28^th for our second dental trip with Dr. Phillip Kemp and the team he assembled.  The dental staff consists of two American dentists, two dental hygienists, three dental assistants, and a fourth year dental student. Dr. David Chua joined us from Melbourne, Australia. Two of Dr. Kemp’s sons have also been helping the team this year and we have three people helping with translation. On our first day at Maria’s Big House of Hope, the team set up eight portable dental chairs and got all of their instruments laid out, and afterward we toured Luoyang’s Old City before going to a Chinese duck restaurant.

The next day, it was wonderful to see the hall filled with waiting patients here on the fifth floor of Maria’s Big House of Hope. We know that going to the dentist here in China is somewhat of a luxury, especially in this province. Most of these nannies have only been to a Chinese dentist once or twice in their lifetime, if at all. Dr. Tesa Reeves said that she was surprised to realize that many of the reservations and fears the women have expressed here are the same worries she sees when she does free clinics at home in the United States. However, the nannies seemed much more comfortable overall and less fearful about having their teeth worked on this year, as several of them had been to our dental clinic last year and knew more about what to expect. Because of this, the team was able to see many more patients this year.  The doctors and hygienist saw 35 patients on the first day, and each day they had a full schedule, working about 10 hours each day. On two of the clinic days, the team treated two busloads of nannies who traveled two hours from the Show Hope Special Care Center in Jiaozuo, in effect extending dental care and education to another city through these nannies.

On July 2, we celebrated the third anniversary of Maria’s Big House of Hope being open. We have all enjoyed playing with kids on short breaks from the clinic throughout the day. Cheri, my good buddy from last year, isn’t so sure about me this year. She has a stink eye that is so funny and adorable when she gives you the look.

It has been an awesome time serving with Dr. Kemp and his staff. The new team members who joined us this year have fit right in like they were here with us last year. The nannies are so appreciative, and the impact the team has is clear. We will be doing some sightseeing and shopping in Beijing before Melissa from Show Hope’s Communications Department leads the team home on July 7th. I will stay on for another trip that arrives on the 11th.

Thank you all for your support of Show Hope. I wish I could bring everyone over here to SEE this little piece of Heaven on earth!

As we walked around the Hands and Feet village in Haiti my heart sank. Within these walls were 70 children who live without parents. I have known for years that there were more than 140 million fatherless children in the world, but I tend to only think of the children I’ve met in the past — the 120 children at Maria’s Big House of Hope, the 900 children in the orphanage in Peru, the 50 children in the orphanage in Port-au-Prince, Haiti — and I forget to think about the other orphaned children around the world who I have yet to meet. At night I pray for the kids that I have held, the kids I have laughed with, and the kids whose names I know. As I stood in the compound in Jacmel, Haiti with the Show Hope Global Training Program team, I suddenly realized that I had been neglecting to pray for the other orphans, like the Haitian children that I now had scooped up in my arms and spun in circles.

Over the past couple of months I had initiated projects and plans for the 1,100 fatherless children that I felt I knew on a personal level. I was praying for them on a daily basis, and I was pretty sure God had them in his hands. But as for the other children, I did not know how much more I could do. I’ve been feeling defeated by the number 140 million. There are 140 million children who have individual faces, laughs, and personalities. And those are 140 million children who live without parents, may cry alone at night, and may feel unloved. It breaks my heart and I want to fall on my knees under the weight of this reality. The need is so overwhelming.

One night as I sat looking at the Hands and Feet village and the mountain and the stars that surround it I felt God nudging my heart. Fall on your knees He said. Pray for these children and the children all around the world. He reminded me that just as he is with the children in Peru and China, and just as He is working in the lives of these children in Haiti, He has a plan for every orphaned child. Every child belongs to Him.

So as I return home and continue on my day-to-day routine, renewed in my focus on orphan care by this trip, I will continue to pray for every child. I will pray the names of the children that I know and for those I haven’t met. I will pray for their safe keeping, that they may find somebody that loves them, and that they find God’s love. I take comfort in God’s plan for these little ones. Nonetheless, just because God holds each and every child does not mean that I am off the hook. I must live in God’s will on a daily basis, becoming His hands and feet as I work to care for the more than 140 million orphans in the world.

-Sarah Rooker, member of the Show Hope Global Training Program team that visited the Hands and Feet project in Jacmel, Haiti last week

There is so much that I would like to tell the world about Maria’s Big House of Hope and my experience here that I am having trouble putting it into words. God has shown me many things this week. The first one is to truly understand the words to the song “Jesus loves the little children.” The children here are precious in HIS sight. They are precious to the nannies, to the cooks, to those that clean, to the staff, and to those that have met them. The second thing God has reminded me is of Psalm 139. God made these children and He made them perfect. He knit them together and they are wonderfully made. They are beautiful! When you see the smiles and hear the giggles, you can’t help but fall instantly in love.

I love what God is teaching me about hope and love through this trip with Show Hope. God has given these children hope by bringing them to Maria’s Big House of Hope. God is showing them love through us and all those that work here. The question I keep asking myself now is “what can I continue to do to show hope after I leave?” What can I do to show orphans worldwide that I love them and that most of all God loves them. Please ask yourself that same question. God made these children perfectly and has a perfect plan for them. How does he want you to be a part of that plan?

-Heather Wright